Metra Police arrest man for burglary at Calumet Station

(November 1, 2016) -

Metra Police on Monday arrested a 21-year-old Park Forest man after catching him breaking into a commuter’s vehicle at the Calumet Station in East Hazel Crest, Ill.

On Monday afternoon, a plainclothes Metra Police detective observed a subject rummaging through the trunk of a commuter’s vehicle in the station parking lot near Wood and 174th Street. The detective determined the subject was not the owner and did not have permission to access the vehicle.

Elijah J. Muhammad, 21, of the 400 block of Winnemac Street in Park Forest, Ill., was arrested and charged with burglary to a motor vehicle, a Class 2 felony.

“This arrest is the result of proactive policing aimed at protecting our customers and their property,” said Metra Chief of Police Joseph Perez. “I’m pleased our efforts have produced results, and we will continue to monitor parking lots and investigate all reports we receive. Still, we can’t stress enough the need for people in the area to assist us by reporting suspicious activity when they see it.”

Metra Police have increased patrols of the area around several stations in the south suburbs and on Chicago’s south side following reports of criminal activity in the area, including vehicle break-ins. Last week, police arrested two men as they were breaking into vehicles parked at the Wrightwood Station. In January of this year, two juveniles were arrested while burglarizing vehicles at the Ashburn Station.

Metra reminds all its customers to be aware of their surroundings, lock their vehicles, secure any valuables and report any and all suspicious or criminal activity on Metra property to Metra Police at 312-322-2800. If you see something, say something!